4 Ways to Solve Mac Not Starting in Safe Mode [Supports macOS Ventura/Big Sur/Mojave]

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What is Safe Mode on a Mac?

Safe mode, in the context of a Mac, is a highly restricted environment where only essential applications and files are executed. Non-essential apps and extensions are prevented from running. Additionally, safe mode performs a basic system disk check and clears system caches, which often addresses the root causes of issues.

The primary reason Safe Mode on a Mac restricts non-native or third-party applications from running is to enhance its performance. Users might choose Safe Mode due to various reasons, such as when the system becomes unresponsive, the operating system fails to boot normally, or the system experiences crashes and spontaneous restarts.

However, numerous users have encountered issues while attempting to start Safe Mode. Initiating Safe Mode is generally a straightforward process. If you're unable to do so, there might be some issues that need immediate resolution.

Why Isn't My Mac Booting into Safe Mode?

Are you wondering why your Mac won't start in safe mode? Well, there could be several reasons behind this error. They include:

• The Mac might not have been completely powered off before attempting to restart it into safe mode.
• Releasing the Shift key instantly instead of holding it down for a few seconds.
• Confirm that the keyboard is functioning correctly to ensure proper use of the Shift key.
• Bugs present in the macOS.
• Issues with the system's security settings that hinder booting into safe mode. Check the Mac firmware password and FileVault.
• Problems with the SMC (System Management Controller).
• NVRAM/PRAM-related issues.
• File system errors exist on the startup disk.

4 Ways to Fix Mac That Won't Start in Safe Mode

There are various reasons why your Mac might not boot into Safe Mode. Thankfully, there are also solutions available. In this section, we'll outline the top four methods to fix the issue of your Mac not starting in Safe Mode. Before diving into the solutions, you can watch a video for assistance first.

1. 0:10 Check the battery level, keyboard, and other components
2. 2:25 Disable Firmware Password
3. 4:04 Reset the SMC (System Management Controller)

Solution 1: Use the Option Key to Fix Mac Not Starting in Safe Mode

One of the most effective methods to resolve the issue of a Mac not starting in Safe Mode is by using the Option key. Here are the steps to follow: 1. Turn off your Mac completely. 2. Press and hold the Option key. 3. While holding the Option key, press the power button to turn on your Mac. 4. Release the Option key when you see the Startup Manager screen. This screen displays all available bootable drives, including your macOS installation and any connected external devices. 5. Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, select the volume you want to boot from (usually labeled as "Macintosh HD"). 6. Press the Return or Enter key to start your Mac from the selected volume in Safe Mode. 7. Your Mac will now begin the startup process in Safe Mode, which may take longer than usual due to the additional security checks. If your Mac successfully boots into Safe Mode, you can troubleshoot further or perform necessary maintenance tasks. If the issue persists, there might be more complex problems that require professional assistance.

Step 1. Shut down the system.

Step 2. Press and hold the Option key. While holding it, press the Power button.

Step 3. Here, you'll see a list of the different drives on your Mac. Select the Mac's startup drive and press the Enter key.

Now, check if the system can boot up in safe mode.

Solution 2: Check the Security Settings to Resolve Mac Not Starting in Safe Mode

Another excellent approach to resolve the issue of a Mac not starting in Safe Mode is to examine the security settings. Occasionally, problems with security configurations, such as Firmware Password or FileVault, can cause this error.

It would be beneficial if you temporarily disabled the Firmware password. To do so, please follow these steps:

Step 1. Press and hold the Command and R keys to restart the system. Enter the Firmware password.

Step 2. Choose the language you prefer. Click on the "Utility" option and proceed to the Startup Security Utility.

Step 3. You need to click on "Turn Off Firmware Password." Next, you'll be prompted to enter the Firmware password again.

Step 4. In addition, you need to disable FileVault. To do this, go to System Preferences, click on "Security & Privacy," and then press the "FileVault" option.

Step 5. Press the lock icon located in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Next, enter your authentication credentials to unlock System Preferences.

Step 6. Click the "Turn Off FileVault" option. Following that, click the lock icon once more to save the changes. Restart your Mac and check if it boots into Safe Mode.

Fix 3: Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)

In some instances, resetting the SMC (System Management Controller) can resolve the issue of a Mac not starting up in Safe Mode. For Macs equipped with the T2, M2, or the Apple M1 chip, follow these steps:

Step 1. Shut down the Mac

Step 2. Press and hold the Option (Alt), Control, and Shift keys together for a few seconds.

Step 3. After that, press the Power button and hold it. This will turn off the system.

Solution 4: Shut Down your Mac and Restart in Safe Mode

Occasionally, the Mac might freeze while attempting to enter Safe Mode. In such instances, the only solution is to force a system shutdown. There are various methods to shut down your Mac. Here's a glance at them: 1. **Using the Power Button**: Press and hold the power button on your Mac for about 5-10 seconds until the screen goes black and your Mac turns off. 2. **Via Menu Bar**: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen, then select "Shut Down" from the dropdown menu. If the menu bar is unresponsive, you can try the next method. 3. **Using Keyboard Shortcuts**: Press and hold the keys `Control + Command + Power` (for laptops) or `Control + Command +⏏` (Eject or Power button) simultaneously for a few seconds until your Mac shuts down. 4. **Terminal Command**: Open Terminal (found in the Applications > Utilities folder), then type "sudo shutdown -h now" and press Enter. This will immediately shut down your Mac. You'll need to enter your admin password when prompted. Remember, forced shutdowns should be used as a last resort, as they can lead to data loss or other issues. Always try less intrusive methods first.

Option 1. Press the Command, Option, Control, and Power buttons all at once. This will force quit any open applications and shut down the computer. Keep in mind that holding the Power button for an extended period will initiate a Force Shutdown.

Option 2. However, if the method mentioned above doesn't work, you'll need to perform a force shutdown. To do this, simultaneously press the Command, Power, and Control keys and hold them for a few seconds. This will initiate a forced shutdown.

Option 3. Another method to force a shutdown is by pressing and holding the power button. You should continue holding it until the screen goes blank. Once that happens, you can then start your Mac in safe mode.

Recover Data on macOS Ventura/Big Sur/Mojave (Additional Tip)

In certain scenarios, you might encounter data loss due to issues with the macOS. If that's the case, you can choose to utilize Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to retrieve your lost data. This tool is the most effective method to restore missing files.

Data Recovery Wizard for Mac is a professional data recovery software that enables users to effortlessly retrieve lost data in just three simple steps. With this software, you can recover various types of data such as videos, photos, emails, music files, PDFs, documents, and more. It is an extremely efficient tool that can restore data even without a Time Machine backup.

You can recover data from various Mac-based devices, such as Fusion drives, SSDs, HDDs, SD cards, Time Machine backup drives, USB drives, and so on. If you're unable to retrieve the data, you can also seek assistance from data experts for data recovery services.

Follow the steps below to recover data from macOS Ventura/Big Sur/Mojave/Catalina:

Step 1. Select the drive to be scanned Translation: Select the drive that needs to be scanned.

In the main Data Recovery Wizard window, you'll see a list of drives connected to your Mac. Choose the drive from which you need to recover lost or deleted files, and click the "Search for lost files" button.

Note: Before data recovery, it's recommended to click "Disk Backup" from the left sidebar to create a backup of your Mac to prevent further data loss. After backing up, the software can retrieve data from the Mac backup, and your computer can then write new data again.

Step 2. Select the lost data/files

With Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, it will promptly scan the selected disk volume and display the scan results in the left panel. If you're searching for specific files, you can sort the results to locate the desired files easily.

Step 3. Recover Lost/Deleted Data

Once you've located the desired files, preview them and then click "Recover" to commence the retrieval of your deleted/lost Mac files.

Conclusion

Safe mode on a Mac only runs essential applications and features that are required. However, there can be numerous reasons why your Mac doesn't start in safe mode. Fortunately, there are various solutions to address this issue. You can employ the methods outlined above to resolve the problem.

It is crucial to select the solution that best suits your requirements. Should you encounter data loss during this process, you can consider using Mac data recovery software. This is a user-friendly and trustworthy professional tool designed for data recovery. It enables you to effortlessly retrieve data from cameras, USB devices, memory cards, hard drives, and more.

FAQs: Mac Won't Start in Safe Mode

Now you're aware of the various solutions to try if your Mac doesn't boot into safe mode. However, there's always more to learn. To expand your knowledge, explore these frequently asked questions and their answers.

1. How to boot into Safe Mode in Windows 10?

To enter Safe Mode in Windows 10:

1. Select Power and then restart at the sign-in screen. 2. Afterward, press and hold the Shift key. 3. Upon restarting, proceed to the Choose an option screen. 4. Next, select Troubleshoot, followed by Advanced options, and then Startup Settings. 5. Now, press the Restart option. While restarting, press F4 or the number 4 to enter Safe Mode.

2. How do I force my Mac to start in Safe Mode? To force your Mac to start in Safe Mode, follow these steps: 1. **Shut down your Mac**: First, make sure your Mac is completely turned off. 2. **Boot into Safe Mode**: Press and hold the **Shift key** immediately after turning on your Mac or after you hear the startup sound. Keep the Shift key pressed until you see the Apple logo and a progress bar appear on the screen. This may take a little longer than usual. 3. **Wait for Safe Mode to load**: Your Mac will perform a series of system checks and will start up in Safe Mode. The desktop will appear with a darker login screen or a message indicating that you're in Safe Mode. 4. **Login**: If your Mac has multiple users, select your account and enter your password as usual. Once in Safe Mode, you can troubleshoot any issues, remove problematic software, or perform necessary updates. When you're done, simply restart your Mac as normal to exit Safe Mode.

To force your Mac to start in Safe Mode:

1. Press and hold the power button. You should keep it pressed until you see the "Loading startup options" screen. 2. Following that, press and hold the Shift key. 3. Next, select "Continue in Safe Mode." The system will automatically restart.

3. How do I restart my Mac in Safe Mode? To restart your Mac in Safe Mode, follow these steps: 1. **Shut down your Mac**: Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and select "Shut Down" from the dropdown menu. 2. **Boot into Safe Mode**: Once your Mac is turned off, press and hold the left Shift key while turning it back on. Keep the Shift key pressed until you see the Apple logo appear, then release it. 3. **Wait for the login screen**: Your Mac will now boot up in Safe Mode, which may take longer than usual. You'll be presented with the login screen if your Mac has multiple users. 4. **Login**: Enter your username and password, then click the "Login" button. 5. **Safe Mode is active**: Once logged in, you'll notice a message at the bottom of the screen saying "You are in Safe Mode." This indicates that your Mac is currently running in Safe Mode. While in Safe Mode, your Mac performs a few diagnostic tasks and disables certain features, such as startup items, fonts, and visual effects. If you're experiencing issues with your Mac, Safe Mode can help identify the problem or allow you to troubleshoot safely. When you're done with Safe Mode, simply restart your Mac normally by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "Restart."

To restart your Mac in Safe Mode, follow these steps: 1. Shut down your Mac completely. 2. Press the power button to turn it on again. 3. As soon as you hear the startup sound, press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard. Make sure to keep holding the Shift key until further instructions. 4. Your Mac will now start up in Safe Mode. You'll see a progress bar on the screen while it boots up. 5. When you reach the login window, release the Shift key. 6. Enter your username and password to log into your system. Once logged in, your Mac will be in Safe Mode, which allows you to troubleshoot any issues or perform necessary maintenance tasks.

4. How to update to macOS 13 Ventura?

Firstly, you'll need to download macOS 13 Ventura from the official website and run the installation process. Following that, you should navigate to System Preferences. Within that, you'll find Software Update; click on it and then choose Upgrade Now to initiate the upgrade of your system.